U.S. patent number 7,465,859 [Application Number 11/446,079] was granted by the patent office on 2008-12-16 for headblock and fingerboard support.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Invention is credited to Kevin M. Kroeger, Meaulnes Laberge, Timothy P. Shaw, Daniel J. Smith.
United States Patent |
7,465,859 |
Kroeger , et al. |
December 16, 2008 |
Headblock and fingerboard support
Abstract
A headblock and fingerboard support assembly for a stringed
instrument includes a fingerboard support assembly for mounting to
a neck and fingerboard of the stringed instrument. The fingerboard
support assembly further includes a plate having an integrated rail
structure. A headblock has an integrated channel for receiving the
integrated rail structure. The headblock is adapted to secure to
the fingerboard support assembly. A method of assembling a stringed
instrument includes mounting a plate structure to a neck and
fingerboard of the stringed instrument, where the plate includes an
integrated rail, and mounting a headblock to an interior surface of
a body of the stringed instrument, where the headblock has an
integrated channel structure for receiving the integrated rail of
the plate structure.
Inventors: |
Kroeger; Kevin M. (Corona,
CA), Laberge; Meaulnes (Graham, WA), Shaw; Timothy P.
(Madison, TN), Smith; Daniel J. (Corona, CA) |
Assignee: |
Fender Musical Instruments
Corporation (Scottsdale, AZ)
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Family
ID: |
38788593 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/446,079 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2006 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20070277665 A1 |
Dec 6, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
84/293; 84/267;
84/314R; 84/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G10D
1/08 (20130101); G10D 3/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G10D
3/00 (20060101); G10D 1/08 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;84/646,102,173,264-270,290-295,314R,314N,327,402,403,410,319
;D17/14-17,99,19-21 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2000187481 |
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Jul 2000 |
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JP |
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20-1993-0007822 |
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Nov 1993 |
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KR |
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Primary Examiner: Donels; Jeffrey
Assistant Examiner: Uhlir; Christopher
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Atkins; Robert D. Quarles &
Brady LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A stringed musical instrument, comprising: an acoustic body; a
neck having a tongue formed normal to a long axis of the neck and
two channels formed in a surface parallel to the long axis of the
neck; a fingerboard mechanically coupled to the neck; a plate
having two integrated rails disposed on opposite sides of a first
surface of the plate and extending above the first surface of the
plate, the plate being flat across a second surface opposite the
first surface of the plate, the plate being a carbon fiber
reinforced plastic having a rigidity that varies across the plate,
wherein first ends of the rails are disposed in the channels of the
neck and the second surface of the plate is secured in a recessed
cavity of the fingerboard; and a headblock mechanically coupled to
the acoustic body, the headblock having a groove for receiving the
tongue of the neck and two channels for receiving second ends of
the rails to provide rigidity between the acoustic body and
neck.
2. The stringed musical instrument of claim 1, further including a
rod disposed in a groove formed in a surface along the long axis of
the neck.
3. The stringed musical instrument of claim 2, wherein the rod is
made of graphite, metal, or composite material.
4. The guitar of claim 1, wherein the headblock is made of
composite material.
5. The guitar of claim 4, wherein the composite material of the
headblock varies in rigidity.
6. The stringed musical instrument of claim 1, further including a
shim disposed between the headblock and acoustic body.
7. The stringed musical instrument of claim 1, wherein the plate is
secured to the recessed cavity of the fingerboard with
adhesive.
8. The stringed musical instrument of claim 1, further including an
aperture formed through the plate for securing the plate to the
acoustic body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to musical instruments
and, more particularly, to a headblock and fingerboard support
apparatus for stringed musical instruments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Guitars are popular musical instruments and are used commonly by
both amateur and professional musicians. The acoustic-type guitar
generally has a hollow body which is connected to a neck. The
hollow body includes a backboard and a soundboard. Integrated into
a central area of the soundboard is a soundhole. The backboard and
soundboard are connected by a shaped sidewall. The neck and body
are generally connected together using a structure commonly known
as a headblock. The neck terminates at a joint where the neck and
headblock come together in a neck-to-body joint.
Guitars have a series of strings strung at substantial tension from
a bridge on the soundboard, across the soundhole, and along the
neck. Guitars originally made use of low tension strings made of
gut, and later of nylon. Later, steel strings were incorporated
into guitars. The use of steel strings dramatically increased the
tensile forces which act on the body and neck of the guitar. The
substantial increase in tension associated with the use of steel
strings has also led to an increase in failure modes, particularly
in places where subcomponents of the guitar come together at
various joints.
Prior art designs have attempted to improve upon the strength and
durability of guitars without adversely affecting playing
qualities. Improvements have included bracing patterns on the
underside of the soundboard, or neck-to-body joint configurations
for strengthening the joint area of a guitar.
Notwithstanding the various improvements, the manufacture of
guitars, particularly acoustic guitars which generally use wood
materials in construction of the instrument, is subject to a great
deal of variability in the completed product. The physical
qualities of wood material can vary from piece to piece, and
environmental factors such as humidity, also play a role on the
overall physical characteristics of the various subcomponents which
are integrated into a manufactured guitar.
In addition, guitars continue to suffer from a lack of strength and
rigidity as well as a tendency to move or rotate at joints,
particularly in the neck-to-body joint. To lessen the effects of
variability, as well as promote rigidity and stability,
manufacturers have traditionally relied on extremely precise
tooling and/or individual skill to enable the various subcomponents
of the instrument to fit closely together. However, the skill of an
individual craftsman varies, as does the raw material used in the
manufacturing process.
A need exists for an apparatus, method of assembly, and method of
manufacture of a neck-to-body joint of a guitar which increases the
physical integrity of the instrument. In addition, the apparatus,
method of assembly and method of manufacture must be able to be
reproduced with a high degree of consistency.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment, the present invention is a headblock and
fingerboard support assembly for a stringed instrument, comprising
a fingerboard support assembly for mounting to a neck and
fingerboard of the stringed instrument, the fingerboard support
assembly including a plate having an integrated rail structure, and
a headblock having an integrated channel for receiving the
integrated rail structure, wherein the headblock is adapted to
secure to the fingerboard support assembly.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a headblock and
fingerboard support assembly for a stringed instrument, comprising
a plate having an integrated rail, and a headblock for mounting in
the body of the stringed instrument, the headblock having an
integrated channel, which receives the integrated rail of the
plate.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a method of
assembling a stringed instrument, comprising mounting a plate
structure to a neck and fingerboard of the stringed instrument,
wherein the plate includes an integrated rail, and mounting a
headblock to an interior surface of a body of the stringed
instrument, wherein the headblock has an integrated channel
structure for receiving the integrated rail of the plate
structure.
In still another embodiment, the present invention is a method of
manufacturing a headblock and fingerboard support assembly for a
stringed instrument, comprising providing a plate having an
integrated rail, and providing a headblock for mounting in the body
of the stringed instrument, the headblock having an integrated
channel, which receives the integrated rail of the plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1a illustrates a top view of a guitar;
FIG. 1b illustrates a side view of a guitar;
FIG. 2a illustrates a top view of a plate structure for a
fingerboard support assembly;
FIG. 2b illustrates a side view of a plate structure;
FIG. 2c illustrates an additional side view of the plate
structure;
FIG. 3a illustrates a first step in a method of securing a plate
structure to a fingerboard of a guitar;
FIG. 3b illustrates a second step in the method of securing a plate
structure and fingerboard to a neck of a guitar;
FIG. 3c illustrates a third step in the method, showing an
assembled neck having an integrated fingerboard support assembly
including a plate structure;
FIG. 3d illustrates a neck of a guitar having integrated support
rods and a truss rod;
FIG. 4a illustrates a side view of a headblock having integrated
channels for receiving a plate structure;
FIG. 4b illustrates a top view of the headblock, again showing an
integrated channel structure;
FIG. 4c illustrates an additional side view of a headblock and
depicts a "C" shape;
FIG. 4d illustrates a shim structure to assist in mounting a
headblock to a body of a guitar;
FIG. 4e illustrates a first, three-dimensional view of a
headblock;
FIG. 4f illustrates a second, three-dimensional view of a
headblock;
FIG. 4g illustrates a three-dimensional view of a plate
structure;
FIG. 5a illustrates a three-dimensional cutout view of a
fingerboard support assembly mounted to a headblock;
FIG. 5b illustrates a first step in a method of securing a neck of
a guitar to a body of a guitar having an integrated fingerboard
support assembly and mounted headblock;
FIG. 5c illustrates a second step in the method, depicting an
assembled guitar again having a fingerboard support assembly and
headblock structures; and
FIG. 6 illustrates a method of assembling a guitar including
securing a neck of the guitar to a body of a guitar having an
integrated fingerboard support assembly and headblock
structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is described in one or more embodiments in
the following description with reference to the Figures, in which
like numerals represent the same or similar elements. While the
invention is described in terms of the best mode for achieving the
invention's objectives, it will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications,
and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents as supported by the following disclosure and
drawings.
FIG. 1a depicts a top view of a guitar 10. Guitar 10 includes a
body 12 and a neck 14, is illustrated. The body 12 has a soundboard
16 with a circular soundhole 18. The soundboard 16 is connected to
sidewall 20, which in turn, is connected to a backboard 22. The
neck 14 has a headstock 24. Strings (not shown) are strung from
headstock 24, along the neck 14, across the soundhole 18, and to a
bridge 26 on the soundboard 16.
FIG. 1b depicts a side view of a guitar 10. Again, guitar 10
includes a body 12 and a neck 14. Soundboard 16 is again connected
to sidewall 20 and backboard 22.
To provide structural rigidity to guitar 10 and promote consistent
joint integrity in an assembled guitar, a headblock and fingerboard
support assembly can be utilized. A headblock can be mounted in an
interior surface of the body of guitar 10. A fingerboard support
assembly is mounted to a neck 14 of guitar 10. The headblock
receives the fingerboard support assembly to form a neck-to-body
joint. The headblock and fingerboard support assembly can be formed
out of a composite material which includes fibers which are laid-up
in a particular arrangement for a desired stiffness. Use of a
headblock and fingerboard assembly in guitar 10 provides a uniform
structure which is more easily manufactured to a consistent, high
degree of precision. The neck to body joint is consistently of high
quality, as a result.
Turning to FIG. 2a, a support plate 28 for a fingerboard support
assembly is depicted. Plate 28 is intended to be a highly-rigid
composite component. Again, plate 28 can be composed of a carbon
fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or similar composite material with
fibers which are selected to be oriented in a particular fashion to
provide for a precise degree of stiffness. In addition, the
selection of the composite material can be such that the intended
rigidity varies across a surface of plate 28, so that a particular
region of plate 28 is more rigid than another particular region of
plate 28. As a result, extra rigidity and support can be provided
in areas of plate 28 which take advantage of the extra rigidity and
support, while not sacrificing the overall tonal quality of the
guitar 10. The composite material making up plate 28 can be chopped
and molded or can utilize laid-up fibers which are arranged in a
particular orientation. A composite plate 28 can be manufactured
using known techniques for forming composite materials.
Plate 28 includes bottom surface 30. A series of threaded inserts
32 are disposed through bottom surface 30. Threaded inserts 32 are
configured to allow for an attachment mechanism such as a screw or
a bolt, which can pass through the threaded insert to couple to
another subcomponent piece of guitar 10.
Plate 28 is shown with two integral rails 34. Rails 34 are unitary
in construction with plate 28. Rails 34 are disposed along
substantially the bottom surface 30 of plate 28, one rail 34
disposed on opposing sides of bottom surface 30. Rails 34 are
intended to secure to an integrated channel formed in a headblock
which is mounted to an interior surface of the body of guitar 10.
Rails 34 can vary in overall shape for a particular application.
Rails 34, as shown, have a tapered design to provide for ease of
assembly.
Apertures 36 are disposed throughout plate 28, forming an opening
from the bottom surface of plate 28 to a top surface of plate 28.
Apertures 36 are intended to allow for adhesive material such as
epoxy to penetrate the plate structure and obtain a better overall
bond to the plate 28.
FIG. 2b shows a side view of plate 28. Again, rails 34 are depicted
disposed on opposite sides of the bottom surface 30. A top surface
38 is intended to interface with a bottom portion of a fingerboard
of the guitar 10, as will be later described. FIG. 2c depicts an
additional side view of plate 28. Again, surfaces 30 and 38 are
shown, as well as a rail 34. Threaded insert 32 is again shown.
Threaded insert 32 is configured at an angle larger than 90 degrees
from vertical. In one embodiment, insert 32 is configured at an
angle of approximately 30 degrees from vertical. Use of an angled
insert 32 configuration allows a fingerboard to be drawn down to a
top surface of the body 12 of guitar 10 in a tight-fitting and
precise manner.
Turning to FIG. 3a, a first step in a method to secure a
fingerboard support assembly to a neck 14 of guitar 10 is depicted.
The fingerboard support assembly includes a plate 28 which is first
secured to a fingerboard 40 as shown. Fingerboard 40 includes a
recess 42 or cavity 42 which is integrated into a bottom surface of
fingerboard 40. The recess 42 receives plate 28. Rails 34 protrude
downwards from plate 28. The depth of recess 42 is approximately
the same as the depth from top surface 38 to bottom surface 30 of
plate 28. As a result, the recess receives plate 28, making the
bottom surface 30 of plate 28 approximately flush with a bottom
surface of fingerboard 40. Fingerboard 40 can be secured to plate
28 using an epoxy or similar adhesive or glue material to form a
tight and strong joint.
Turning to FIG. 3b, a next step in the method to secure the
fingerboard support assembly is shown. Fingerboard support assembly
is shown with an assembled fingerboard 40, plate 28 with integral
rail 34. A neck 14 of guitar 10 with attached headstock 24 is
depicted. Neck 14 also includes a heel portion 44. Disposed at an
end of the neck 14 is an additional cavity 45 along a top surface
of neck 14 for receiving a portion of the rail 34 of plate 28. The
end portion of neck 14 includes a tongue structure 46, which is a
common element in many neck to body joints.
FIG. 3c shows a next step in the method which now includes a fully
assembled neck 14 assembly 47. Again, headstock 24, plate 28, and
fingerboard 40 are depicted as fully assembled components. Assembly
47, using plate 28, keeps fingerboard 40 from bending where
fingerboard 40 meets guitar body 12. The neck-to-body joint is
provided additional stiffness and rigidity.
FIG. 3d shows neck 14 in an additional embodiment. Neck 14 includes
a headstock 24. A set of two parallel recesses are disposed along
the length of neck 14 as depicted. A support rod 48 is secured to
each recess. Rods 48 can be composed of graphite, metal, a
composite material, or any combination thereof. In addition to rods
48, an additional truss rod 50 is disposed in a recess located
along a center axis of the neck 14 as shown. Truss rod 50 can also
be composed of a variety of materials. Rod 50, in combination with
rods 48, provide additional rigidity and support along the long
axis of neck 14, from the neck to body joint to the headstock 24.
In an additional embodiment, rods 48, 50 can be adapted to extend
through an end of neck 14 to penetrate the body 12 of guitar 10 as
will be further described. Assembly 47 continues the stiffening
action of the rods 48, 50 across the neck to body joint of guitar
10.
Turning to FIG. 4a, a front view of a headblock 52 is depicted.
Headblock 52 is intended to mount to an interior surface of the
body 12 of guitar 10 at the neck to body joint location. Ridge 54
is shown which continues down a central vertical axis of headblock
52. Ridge 54 has a corresponding cavity on an opposite side of
ridge 54 for receiving the tongue 46 portion of an assembled neck
14. Headblock 52 includes a surface 56 on each side of headblock
52, as well as a top surface 60. Aperture 58 allows a connecting
mechanism such as a bolt or screw to penetrate aperture and secure
headblock 52 to the body 12.
As depicted, two channels 62 are disposed along the top surface 60
of headblock 52. Channels 62 are intended to receive the integrated
rail 34 portion of plate 28. FIG. 4b better illustrates channels
62. Again, as shown, channels 62 are disposed along the entire top
surface 60 of headblock 52. Cutouts 64 are intended to capture
screws used to assemble the neck 14 and body 12 of guitar 10.
FIG. 4c shows a side view of headblock 52. Here, the side view
allows the "C" shape of surface 54 to be illustrated. Surface 54
tapers from the ends to a central portion of headblock 52, as
depicted, to provide vertical support along the surface 54. Again,
side surface 56 is shown, as well as top surface 60. A back surface
66 is substantially flat to allow headblock 52 to secure to the
interior neck-to-body joint region of body 12.
Again, headblock 52 can be composed of a molded or formed composite
material. Here, as in plate 28, the composite material can be
selected to provide a specified amount of support and rigidity, and
can be adapted to vary across any surface(s) of the headblock 52
for a particular application. Headblock 52 functions to receive the
neck 14 and hold the neck 14 firmly in a desired location and
position, at the desired angle and orientation relative to the body
12 of guitar 10.
Neck 14, including plate 28, can be intended to not be permanently
secured to headblock 52 and, thereby, body 12. Instead, the
headblock 52 and fingerboard support assembly 49 can be fastened
with screws or bolts to securely mount the assembly 49 to headblock
52, but also to allow the completed guitar to be disassembled if
needed or desired. The flexibility of disassembly adds unique
functionality to the instrument and flexibility in the
manufacturing and assembly process.
FIG. 4d illustrates a shim structure 53 which is intended to
interface the headblock 52 with the interior surface of body 12. In
the illustration shown, shim 53 interfaces the back surface 66 of
headblock 52 with the corresponding interior vertical surface of
body 12. However, each surface of headblock 52, such as top surface
60 and side surfaces 56 can be provided with corresponding shim
structures 53 to interface the surfaces with corresponding interior
surfaces of body 12. The shim structures 53 correspond to the
respective surface of the headblock 52. Shim 53 is intended to be a
thin piece of material, generally composed of wood but able to be
composed of other materials. As shown, shim 53 is shaped in the
outline of headblock 52, including two integrated channels 55 to
reflect the outline of headblock 52.
The use of shim 53 allows the same headblock 52 to be used in a
variety of guitar manufacturing scenarios. A single headblock 52
can be used to join together the neck 14 and body 12 of guitars 10
having differing interior surface features. As a result, the
manufacturing process is made more efficient, yet each headblock 52
fits snugly and appropriately in a particular setting. Because shim
53 is composed of wood, shim 53 is easily sanded to a particular
shape. Sanding a composite headblock 52 would present a host of
additional problems into the manufacturing process, which the
introduction of shim 53 eliminates.
FIG. 4e depicts a first, three-dimensional, top-view of headblock
52. Again, top surface 60 is seen, as is channels 62 and cutouts
64. Back surface 66, which interfaces with shim 53, is again shown.
FIG. 4f depicts a second, three-dimensional, side-view of headblock
52. Ridge 54 is again shown, as is side surface 56, aperture 58,
top surface 60, channels 62, cutouts 64, and back surface 66. FIG.
4g depicts a three-dimensional, bottom view of plate 28. Plate 28
includes bottom surface 30 as depicted. Rails 34 are integrated
into plate 28 at bottom surface 30. Inserts 32 are seen, as well as
apertures 36 as previously described to assist in assembly.
Turning to FIG. 5a, a three-dimensional cutout view of a body 12 of
a guitar 10 having headblock 52 with secured plate 28. Plate 28
includes bottom surface 30 with threaded inserts 32 to mount plate
28 to a fingerboard as previously described. Rail 34 is shown
received by channel 62 in headblock 52. Headblock 52 includes ridge
54, side surface 45, aperture 58, top surface 62, and back surface
66.
FIG. 5b depicts an example first step of an assembly process of
securing a neck 14 to a body 12 of guitar 10 is depicted. A
completed neck assembly 47 includes neck 14, headstock 24,
fingerboard support including plate 28, angled threaded insert 32,
integral rail 34, heel 44, and threaded insert 68. A completed body
12 assembly includes headblock 52 with accompanying ribbed "C"
surface 54, aperture 58, top surface 60, and back and substantially
flat surface 66 which is mounted to shim 53, located between
surface 66 and the interior surface of body 12.
FIG. 5c illustrates a next step in the assembly process, showing a
fully assembled neck to body joint. Here, attachment mechanisms
such as screws are used to secure the neck assembly to body 12
using an angled configuration through threaded insert 32. A screw
is penetrated through aperture 58 and tightened into threaded
insert 68 to draw the headblock 52 laterally against the heel
portion of neck 14. Tongue 46 penetrates an opening in body 12 to
be received into a cavity created by the back surface of ridge 54
of headblock 52. Finally, an attachment mechanism such as a screw
or bolt is used to securely affix the neck assembly through the
body 12 in a vertical manner at location 70, corresponding to a
threaded insert 32 in plate 28.
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method of assembly of a
guitar. As a first step, the headblock is preassembled by affixing
the headblock to the various shim members using an epoxy or other
strong glue or similar bonding material (step 72). A plate
structure is mounted to the neck and fingerboard of a guitar (step
74). Next, a headblock is removably mounted to an interior surface
of the body of the guitar, in close proximity to the neck-to-body
joint area (step 76). Finally, the fingerboard support assembly,
which includes the plate structure, is secured to the headblock
using the angled screw configuration and additional attachment
mechanisms, which have been previously described (step 78).
The concept of using a fingerboard support assembly including plate
28 in conjunction with a unique headblock 52 provides a novel and
extremely rigid method of keeping the neck 14 and neck-to-body
joint area of the body 12 in a precise and desirable alignment. The
precise and desirable alignment is partly achieved by the selection
of a choice of composite materials to form plate 28 and headblock
52 for a particular application. In addition, the specific
engineering properties of the plate 28 structure, coupled with the
properties of headblock 52, make contributions. Finally, the
overall geometry of the subcomponents also plays a part.
The rigid structure of plate 28 and headblock 52 helps to eliminate
changes in neck 14 angle and string action caused by environmental
and climactic changes. In addition, the rigid nature of the
structure helps to reduce energy loss from the string into the
neck-to-body region of the guitar 12, which enhances the overall
sustain of the guitar 12.
The composite headblock 52 can be made in a single size, as was
previously described. With the use of shims 53, a single headblock
can serve in a variety of guitar 10 applications. Headblock 52 has
several surfaces which can interface with shim structures 53 to
mate with the interior top, sides, and back of the body 12 of
guitar 10. Again, using a variety of shims 53 simplifies
manufacturing and reduces inventory. Again, a single-sized
headblock can be used for multiple shapes and styles of
instruments. The preassembly of the headblock to the shim members
allows the overall assembly of guitar 10 to be processed with a
water-based glue in an orderly sequence, instead of employing
several types of glues in the same process, since the composite
materials employed in plate 28 and headblock 52 cannot be bonded
with water-based glues.
Overall, guitar 10 is more easily manufactured using the
fingerboard support assembly and headblock structures previously
described. In addition, the instrument is consistently of better
quality.
While one or more embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated in detail, the skilled artisan will appreciate that
modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention as set
forth in the following claims.
* * * * *